BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who is also KPCC president, appears to have proved his equation with the party high command by getting Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara to defer the SC/ST legislators’ meeting. This could help him strategise and stake claim for the CM’s post in future.
While Parameshwara, Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna and Social Welfare Minister Dr HC Mahadevappa asserted that the meeting has only been postponed and will be held in the near future, the party high command is bound to keep tabs on such meetings.
According to sources, Shivakumar too has the backing of a sizeable number of legislators and it may go up as he has plans to take some SC/ST legislators, such as Malavalli MLA Narendraswamy, into confidence in Old Mysuru region. Already, Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa, who is nurturing the dream of becoming deputy CM, is in Shivakumar’s good books, and Anekal MLA Shivanna, Nelamangala MLA Srinivas and others have openly identified with his camp.
His masterstroke came as a setback to Parameshwara, who wanted to win over SC/ST MLAs, suggested by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
“The party’s top brass realised his organisational skill which was why it roped him in to announce the ‘Pyari Didi’ guarantee for women ahead of the Delhi polls. He is unlikely to step down as KPCC president anytime soon,” Congress insiders observed.
But the turn of events within the Congress gave an indication of a change in guard after Siddaramaiah’s 30-month tenure. “The Siddaramaiah faction wants to improve its bargaining power by hosting such dinners. The camp will also raise its voice for a Dalit CM,” remarked a party leader.
‘Centre creating hurdles for Oppn-ruled states’
Thanjavur: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday accused the BJP-led Centre of creating hurdles for non-BJP-ruled states. Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Maha Pratyangira Devi Temple in Ayyavadi near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar alleged that the Union Government is attempting to encroach the powers of the state governments.
He said that funds due to Opposition-ruled states are being withheld, prompting those states to rally under the demand, “Our Tax, Our Right”. “Whatever taxes we pay to the Union Government, we are not getting proper benefits in return for our states. Let us all fight together,” he added.
Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar in Delhi on Jan 14-15
Bengaluru: After the Congress Legislature Party meeting on Monday, CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar will be leaving for New Delhi on January 14 to take part in the inauguration of Indira Gandhi Bhawan on January 15. Parameshwara and other ministers of the CM’s camp are also likely to visit and meet the high command, sources said.
